Modern trends in the usage of light transmitting concrete

Subject of the research presented in the article is the possibility of creating a technology for light-transmitting concrete products by layer-by-layer setting of concrete mixture and polymer resins. Existing light-transmitting concrete (known as LiTraCon or LTC) can be produced by introducing oriented light-conducting fibers into the concrete mixture. Features of the technology for producing such concrete are the need to use special forms with devices for fastening fibers, high cost of materials and labor-intensive operations. The usage of polymer resins instead of light-conducting fibers makes it possible to simplify the technology while maintaining the mechanical properties of the material. Polymer resins introduced into the composition during the formation of the material could interact with the concrete mixture and form a dense contact zone between the layers of hardened resin and concrete. At the same time, the main problem of such a solution is the interpenetration of visco-plastic components into each other and, as a consequence, a decrease in the decorative effect and light transmission of finished products. A possible solution proposed by the authors is to ensure comparable rheological characteristics by selecting the initial components of the concrete mixture and thin-layer additive printing of layers. The proposed composition of the concrete mixture includes cement, microsilica, crushed concrete fines, polycarboxylate superplasticizer, pigments, sand and water. Obtained results show the fundamental possibility of developing such technology and will be used for further research.